By Preston Wong
Edited by Melanie Kaplan
UGG boots were first created in 1978, and they soon became a staple in the United States. Even though they have been the subject of controversy for being “ugly” and “uncool,” they have become a fashion sensation in the world. The boots have even been dubbed an essential for the “basic girl” stereotype (along with a North Face jacket and Lululemon black leggings). Now, they can be seen being worn on celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Rihanna.
In 1978, Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer, founded UGG boots on the shores of Southern California. They were originally meant for surfers to keep their feet warm after a day of catching waves. Smith had a strong love for sheepskin, which came from his Australian roots, and he hoped the world would one day share this love.
The UGG brand began to rise in the 1980s, which was also known as the “Decade of Greed.” They had become popular in southern California through surf shops up and down the coast. The region’s laidback lifestyle matched perfectly with the comfort and convenience of UGG boots.
The boots finally had their big break when Oprah declared UGG boots one of her “Favorite Things” in 2000. They would appear on the list for the following seven years. The boots were once exclusively a Californian surfer staple, but soon after, they become a nationwide sensation. The company saw yearly sales of nearly $40 million by 2003, and that’s when the brand debuted new colors like baby pink and blue, as well as introducing new styles. UGG boots continued to grow in the 2000s, as they expanded internationally to places like Japan, China, and England. They expanded from boots and slippers to other stylish luxuries that would end up on the pages of Vogue, as well as seen on celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Blake Lively, and even Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw on “Sex and the City.” They would later do countless collaborations with brands like Jimmy Choo, Swarovski Elements® and celebrities like Tom Brady.
Often, fashion comes from things that were originally deemed “ugly” and they turn into a global phenomenon worn by everyone. UGG boots are an excellent example of this. They have grown to an empire and have become a force in the fashion world. They are no longer “ugly” or “uncool,” and are now worn by all genders with different styles as well as being worn all around the world and worn all year-round. Smith’s original love for sheepskin has indeed been shared with the world.
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